An international expert found that some children in Mount Isa are suffering from brain damage and retardation due to prolonged exposure to lead from the hardrock mine and smelters in the central Queensland town. The report investigated that approximately 5% of children are still have the blood lead levels higher than international as well as Australian safety limits. Two children have been tested and it comes to a conclusion that they are mentally retarded as lead poisoning can severely deteriorate neurocognitive development in children. The Queensland government-led Living with Lead Alliance has warned parents to keep the home free of dust, wipe down counter tops and mop floors, keep children out of the dirt and feed them a healthy diet.
However, the households responded that they had kept their house clean regularly and had balanced diet. It is inevitable to keep their kids from dirt all the times. They claimed that they are reluctant to move away from the town where they were born and they want a safe town for them and their future generation. Some families are suing the mining company for the catastrophic impacts resulted from the mining activities. In a statement, Xstrata Copper North Queensland's chief operating officer, Steve de Kruijff, said the company took the issue "very seriously".
It is really a fact that lead poisoning has detrimental effects on human especially children and infants. It can cause brain damage and other adverse effects. It is really a pity that the community is lack of the knowledge about the harmful effects of various pollutants on human as well as the environment. Not only lead poisoning, emission of carbon monoxides, oxides of nitrogen as well as other pollutants can cause baneful effects on human and environment. Without realising its impacts, people are not going to look into its root cause. Therefore, prompt actions like awareness campaigns and educations should be implemented to raise public awareness....Let's learn biology and chemistry!!^^
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